May 17 is International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT). It is a day to remind ourselves that hate towards LGBTQ people is still a major problem in the world. Despite many countries changing their laws to protect LGBTQ people, there are currently 64 countries that criminalize same-sex activities—29 of which are Commonwealth jurisdictions—and 12 countries impose the death penalty for same-sex intimacy, according to the Human Dignity Trust (data correct on 05/13/24).

Even in a country deemed “liberal” like the UK, homophobia, biphobia, and transphobia are rife. It is easy for people who live with the privilege of cisgender heterosexuality to ignore the amount of hate that still exists in our streets or to minimize it (i.e., Why do they need Pride? They have equal rights now). Most heterosexual people in the UK can hold their partner’s hands anywhere without even thinking about it, whereas the same simple gesture from LGBTQ people can provoke an attack.

Indeed, violence against LGBTQ people is still common. The UK is particularly hostile to Trans people at the moment. India Willoughby, the world’s first Trans newsreader, posted a statement on X describing the reality of being Transgender today: “I’m so envious of those who don’t live in this permanent state of being under attack every single day from........

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